Before the lights come up in Beijing, Gumayusi talks mindset, recovery, and returning to Worlds..
In Beijing, the stage for the League of Legends (LoL) World Championship 2025 is set. As the world’s best gather once more, 
T1’s bot laner 
Lee “Gumayusi” Min-hyeong finds himself back under the bright lights, but in a position that’s now strangely familiar.
In 2024, T1 entered as the LoL Champions Korea (LCK) fourth seed, but went on to conquer Worlds and claim the world championship title a second time in a row, becoming T1’s fifth title and Gumayusi’s second title. And once again, like déjà vu, T1 will start their Worlds campaign as Korea’s fourth seed, entering through the Play-Ins.
Their first opponent: 
Invictus Gaming, China’s own fourth seed. However, it seems like this starting point does not faze Gumayusi and the rest of T1.
“It feels like Worlds is always something that is just filled with fun, and I always look forward to those matches on stage,” Gumayusi says. His tone carries that familiar spark, excitement laced with quiet determination.
With Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok leading the team from the mid lane, Choi “Doran” Hyeon-joon joining in the top lane, Moon “Oner” Hyeon-joon in the jungle, Gumayusi in the bot lane, and with Ryu “Keria” Min-seok on support, all five members of T1 are present in Beijing, ready to take the stage and start their campaign at Worlds 2025.
T1’s Gumayusi shares how rest is helping him prepare for Worlds
This year’s competitive calendar has been one of the most demanding yet. After their Spring run in Seoul, T1 flew to Vancouver for the Mid-Season Invitational, followed by a long stretch in Riyadh for the Esports World Cup. Barely days after returning home, the LCK Summer Split was already underway.
It has gotten quite intense that a few months ago, Gumayusi said in an interview with Sheep Esports that the packed schedule took its toll, both mentally and physically. So, when asked in Beijing if he finally had a chance to rest, his answer revealed a touch of irony.
“Unfortunately, we were eliminated early in the regular season,” he says. “Ironically, we had more time to prepare for Worlds, so we had a good rest.”
For a player known for precision and composure, that unexpected downtime became a chance to recharge.
“First of all, I think taking a break helps me the most,” he explains. “I try to get my mind back on track by working out or reading.” He also shared that both working out and reading books are some of the ways that keep him grounded when under pressure as well.
And when the conversation turns to his reading habits, he smiles. “I tend to read self-improvement books or philosophical books.”
T1’s mental game and Gumayusi's read on the meta
For T1, approaching Worlds from the Play-Ins is uncharted territory, but Gumayusi’s focus remains steady. “When it comes to Worlds, T1 just has to keep in mind that we have to enjoy the stage,” he says. “That's what really pays off and gives us a good result.”
As the event begins under Patch 14.20, Gumayusi admits that while the update hasn’t upended the game, it’s made space for surprises. “Honestly, I don't think the patch has changed too drastically,” he says. “Some of the champions that you haven't really seen before have moved up some tiers.”
He expects the Fearless Draft format to push teams toward creativity. “I believe that you can expect to see a lot of different variety of champions.”
And which ones might dominate early on? “If we look at every single team, I believe we will see […] …maybe Jinx and Caitlyn will come out a lot.”
Facing Invictus Gaming and the heat of Worlds
T1’s opening best-of series at the League of Legends World Championship 2025 sees them face Invictus Gaming, bringing together two of the most storied teams from the LCK and LPL. A spot in the Swiss Stage is on the line in this best-of-five Play-Ins showdown, raising both the stakes and the pressure. For Gumayusi, the goal remains straightforward.
“Yeah, I'm expecting a really fun match,” he says. “I think as long as we're able to keep control in the bot lane, it should go as well as we planned it to.”
Asked whether there’s anyone specific from IG they’re watching out for, he shakes his head. “I don't think we actually think that's an important factor to consider. So I believe that as long as every teammate in our team is able to carry out their role that they are responsible for, we'll be able to win.”
When pressed to describe T1’s spirit at Worlds in one word, Gumayusi doesn’t hesitate.
“It's hot,” he says with a grin. “It’s because our very first match…well, everyone has their eye on that match.”
That energy, simmering confidence and intensity, reflects the kind of fire T1 will need to reignite in Beijing. As they take to the stage once again, Gumayusi’s message to fans is simple.
“We’ll make sure that we do our best during our match against IG,” he said. “We’ll do our best to stay here at Worlds as long as possible, and we’ll be back after a long run. Fighting!”
